Nizam Museum (H.E.H. Nizam's Museum) is located in Purani Haveli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Housed in the historic Purani Haveli complex, the museum preserves gifts, mementos and other objects associated with the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, and the Nizam's family.
A Royal Repository: In the heart of Hyderabad's Old City, the Nizam Museum at Purani Haveli preserves a collection of articles associated with the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII. A major part of the collection consists of gifts and mementos presented to the Nizam on the completion of 25 years of his rule, associated with his Silver Jubilee in 1936.
The museum was established in February 2000 by the H.E.H. The Nizam's Jubilee Pavilion Trust, a trust established in 1957 to preserve and care for the Nizam's collection. The museum was subsequently opened to the public.
The Legacy of the Seventh Nizam
At the time of India's independence, Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states in India and the largest by population. According to the 1941 census, Hyderabad State had a population of more than 16.3 million. The state maintained its own administrative institutions and had systems including an army, railway network, postal service, telecommunications and radio broadcasting.
Widely Described as the World's Richest Man: Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, was widely reported as the world's richest man during the 1930s. Contemporary accounts described his extraordinary wealth, although later estimates of his fortune in present-day dollar values vary considerably and should be treated with caution.
The Nizam's Jubilee Pavilion Trust was established in 1957 to preserve and care for the collection of gifts and mementos associated with the Nizam's Silver Jubilee. Many of these objects now form the core collection of the Nizam Museum.
Treasures on Display – A Golden Legacy
The museum contains a varied collection of royal objects, including jewellery, silverware, decorative objects, models, writing implements, arms and other articles associated with the Nizam's court and the Silver Jubilee collection.
The Golden Throne: One of the museum's prominent exhibits is a golden wooden throne associated with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the seventh Nizam. The throne is among the objects that illustrate the ceremonial character and craftsmanship of the Nizam's court.
Other notable exhibits include:
The Vintage Car Collection
The museum also displays vintage automobiles associated with the Nizam's collection:
The automobiles provide an additional glimpse into the transportation and material culture associated with Hyderabad's ruling family.
The 176-Foot Walk-In Wardrobe
The 176-Foot Wardrobe: One of the museum's most unusual features is the long Burma-teak wardrobe associated with the sixth Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. The wardrobe measures approximately 176 feet (53.6 metres) in length and extends over two levels.
Museum descriptions associate the wardrobe with accounts that the sixth Nizam did not repeat his clothes and gave garments away after wearing them. The collection includes a recreation of his wardrobe based on photographs. The structure is commonly described as the world's largest walk-in wardrobe, although this description should be understood as a museum/tourism claim rather than an independently verified contemporary world record.
Other Unique Exhibits – A Journey Through Time
The museum preserves several other unusual objects and features associated with the Nizam period:
Purani Haveli – The Palace Museum
The museum is housed in Purani Haveli, also known as Masarrat Mahal, a historic palace complex associated with the Nizam family. The complex includes the principal residential building and long wings that form part of the palace layout. The Nizam's Museum occupies part of this historic complex.
Purani Haveli has an important association with the Nizam dynasty and provides the historic setting for the museum's collection.
Hyderabad City Museum – Tracing the Region's History
Another part of the Purani Haveli complex houses the Hyderabad City Museum, which was inaugurated in 2012. Unlike the Nizam Museum's focus on the Nizam-era collection, the City Museum presents the history and development of the Hyderabad area through archaeological objects, cultural material and displays relating to the city's evolution.
Archaeological Treasures: The City Museum includes archaeological material such as prehistoric and historic pottery, coins and other objects that provide evidence for the long history of human settlement in the Hyderabad region. Museum descriptions place the area's archaeological history at about 4,000 years or more; this refers to evidence of habitation in the broader region rather than the age of the modern city of Hyderabad.
The City Museum presents different aspects of Hyderabad's historical development and cultural heritage, including:
The City Museum also presents a chronological overview of prominent landmarks associated with the development of Hyderabad, including Golconda Fort, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Purana Pul, Charminar and Mecca Masjid.
Note for Visitors: Photography restrictions may apply in parts of the museum. Rules can vary by gallery, so visitors should check the current photography policy at the entrance before taking photographs.
2018 Theft of Gold Artefacts
The museum was the scene of a major theft in September 2018. Thieves broke into the museum and stole several valuable artefacts, including a three-tier gold tiffin box decorated with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, a gold cup and saucer, and gold spoons.
Two men were subsequently arrested and the stolen artefacts were recovered by Hyderabad Police within days. The incident led to renewed attention to security at the museum. The recovered objects were returned to the museum collection.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The museum has historically attracted visitors interested in the material culture, architecture and history of the Nizam period. Earlier comments by museum personnel have also highlighted the importance of encouraging younger generations and local residents to engage with Hyderabad's heritage.
The museum's collection provides an opportunity to examine the objects, craftsmanship and ceremonial culture associated with the Nizam period within their original historic setting at Purani Haveli.
Visitor Information
Museum Timings
Generally open: Sunday–Thursday and Saturday
Commonly closed: Friday
Reported timings: Approximately 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Timings, weekly closure and admission arrangements can change. Confirm the current schedule with the museum before travelling.
Entry Fee
Admission: Fees are applicable.
Published fee information varies between sources and may be outdated. Confirm the current admission fee directly with the museum before visiting.
Contact Information
Address: H.E.H. The Nizam's Museum, Lane adjacent to Princess Durru Shehvar Hospital, Purani Haveli, Hyderabad – 500002, Telangana, India
Phone: +91-40-2452 1029
Email: nizamsmuseum@gmail.com
Website: thenizamsmuseum.com
How to Reach
Location: Purani Haveli in Hyderabad's Old City
Nearest major landmark: Charminar, approximately 1.5 km away
Auto/Cab: Available from different parts of Hyderabad
Visitor Tip: Allow sufficient time to explore the Nizam Museum and, if open to visitors, the adjoining Hyderabad City Museum. The 176-foot walk-in wardrobe is one of the museum's distinctive features and may require directions from museum staff.
Visitor Tips – What You Need to Know:
- Check the weekly closure – Friday is commonly listed as the museum's weekly closing day, but confirm before visiting.
- Allow adequate time – The Nizam Museum and adjoining City Museum contain different collections and displays.
- Ask for the wardrobe – The 176-foot walk-in wardrobe is one of the museum's distinctive attractions.
- Photography restrictions – Rules may differ between galleries; check the current policy at the entrance.
- Carry payment options – Admission arrangements and accepted payment methods may change, so confirm current requirements before visiting.
- Wear comfortable footwear – The historic palace complex includes corridors and exhibition areas that require walking.
- Combine with nearby heritage sites – Charminar, Makkah Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar are all in the Old City heritage area.
- Check current timings before travel – Museum schedules and admission arrangements can change.
Nearby Attractions
Key Features Summary
- Name: Nizam Museum (H.E.H. Nizam's Museum)
- Location: Purani Haveli, Hyderabad – 500002, Telangana
- Established: February 2000 by the H.E.H. The Nizam's Jubilee Pavilion Trust
- Primary Collection: Gifts and mementos associated with the completion of 25 years of Mir Osman Ali Khan's rule in 1936
- Star Attraction: Golden throne associated with the Silver Jubilee celebrations
- Walk-In Wardrobe: 176 feet (about 53.6 metres) long Burma-teak wardrobe associated with the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan
- Vintage Cars: Rolls-Royce, Packard and Jaguar Mark V
- Other Exhibits: Jewel-studded gold tiffin box, silver models of Hyderabad landmarks, mother-of-pearl writing box, silver objects, arms and paintings
- Historic Feature: More than 150-year-old manually operated lift
- Additional Museum: Hyderabad City Museum, inaugurated in 2012, presenting the history and cultural development of the Hyderabad region
- Weekly Closure: Friday is commonly listed as the closing day; confirm before visiting
- Timings: Commonly reported as approximately 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; confirm before visiting
- Entry Fee: Admission is applicable; confirm current rates directly with the museum
Why Visit the Nizam Museum? – The 176-foot walk-in wardrobe | Golden throne associated with the Silver Jubilee | Diamond-studded gold tiffin box | Vintage Rolls-Royce, Packard and Jaguar automobiles | More than 150-year-old manual lift | Historic proclamation drums | Silver models of Hyderabad landmarks | Hyderabad City Museum in the same historic complex | Purani Haveli setting in Hyderabad's Old City.